Post-CRP Management Options & Issues

Information to help CRP landowners evaluate post-CRP land management options. Each title in the series provides an overview of a particular topic, discusses related issues unique to CRP land, and points readers to additional resources for further information. Many of the land management options covered in the series present an alternative to returning the land to row crops. This could be especially important for highly erodible CRP lands that aren't re-enrolled in the new CRP.

Evaluating the Condition of Your CRP Land

Weeds and Pocket Gophers - Types of weeds and degree of gopher mounding typical in Minnesota CRP fields, and tips on controlling these problems. By Craig C. Sheaffer et al., University of Minnesota.

Converting to Organic Production - Considerations in converting CRP to organic grain and organic livestock production, including certification. By Prescott Bergh.

Persistence of Planted Forages - What to expect when evaluating CRP land for future uses in terms of plant composition (grasses, legumes, weeds and bare ground) and soil fertility, based on a survey of Minnesota CRP fields. By Craig C. Sheaffer et al., University of Minnesota.

Keeping the Land in Grass

Renovating for Forage Production - Field preparation, incorporation of legumes, and other critical considerations for renovating CRP land for forage. By Craig C. Sheaffer, University of Minnesota.

Selecting a Lease Type - Six common lease types, and questions to consider when selecting among them. By Debra Elias, Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture.

Recreational Leases - What to consider in planning to lease CRP lands for hunting or other recreational activities. By Debra Elias, Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture.

Acknowledgments

Produced by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature (ML 1995, Chapter 220, Section 19, Subdivision 7k) as recommended by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources, from the Minnesota Future Resources Fund, and by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Resources Management and Development Division and Sustainable Agriculture Program, from the State's General Fund. Layout and Design: University of Minnesota Extension Service and Greka Media Group. Editing: Kroll Communications and Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Illustrations: Ross Hier and USDA-NRCS. Special thanks to reviewers, University of Minnesota Extension Service, and Minnesota Department of Agriculture-Marketing for other assistance.

MDA Contact

Bob Patton, Supervisor of the Energy and Environment Sectionbob.patton@state.mn.us, 651-201-6226 or 1-800-967-2474